Dragons' Den star Sara Davies opens new Avon outlet in Newcastle's Eldon Square

Dragons' Den star Sara Davies was in Newcastle's Eldon Square shopping centre this week to open a new Avon outlet.

The star also cut the ribbon to the new kiosk and did a meet and greet with shoppers on Thursday, some of who received a free goody bag.

Sara, who is from County Durham, is known as the 'crafting queen' having turned her company that sells papercraft, art and sewing products into a global business. She is also 'chief inspiration officer' at Avon UK and over the past year has been mentoring the long-established cosmetics company's famous 'Avon reps' and leaders through a series of masterclasses explaining how to build the brand and make it a success.

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The kiosk is near John Lewis and will be the third in the North East after The Galleries in Washington and Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland. All three are run by Gateshead couple Ashleigh Hammond and Dave Carter.

Sara Davies, Avon UK Chief Inspiration Officer, said: "I am thrilled to be opening the newest retail kiosk for Avon in a region that means so much to me personally. I believe in the opportunity the North East holds for independent business owners, having grown my own multi-million-pound organisation in the region.

"Avon’s business model enables everyone to have greater choice, flexibility and freedom to take control of their finances and realise their potential. It's easy to become a Rep, Leader or kiosk owner, and start your own business. I am super proud to be supporting women to achieve that."

Tracey Powers, sales director at Avon UK, said: "Our retail kiosks provide the perfect complement to our core representative business. Having a kiosk in a prime retail location like Eldon Square means we can offer beauty advice and the personalised shopping experience we’re already known for in a different way to a new generation of beauty lovers."

Olivia Telfer, marketing manager at Eldon Square added: "We’re delighted to welcome Avon UK’s latest retail kiosk to Eldon Square, enhancing our already diverse beauty offering with a brand that’s both much loved and innovative. This launch reflects our ongoing commitment to introducing brands that appeal to our broad range of shoppers. We’re proud to support Avon’s vision of empowering women entrepreneurs in the region and are excited to host this launch in the heart of the city centre."